Myanmar Mulls Ban on Temple-Climbing for Tourists

VOA report on the temple-climbing ban in Bagan
They are stairs worn down by a millennia of use, but soon the footfall on some of Myanmar’s most sacred temples may cease
VOA report on the temple-climbing ban in Bagan
They are stairs worn down by a millennia of use, but soon the footfall on some of Myanmar’s most sacred temples may cease
The Apsara Authority reports plans to limit the number of people going to Phnom Bakheng to watch the sun set, as a plan to mitigate long-term damage by tourists.
Source: Angkor hilltop sunset rationed : TTR Weekly
See also: Limits put in place to stop tourists ruining Angkor sunsets
The ‘experts’ that are quoted seem to be short-sighted tourism professionals :/
Sun sets on Bagan temple climbing
Experts have also urged the government to thoroughly think through any plans to ban visitors from climbing the pagodas.
“If climbing on the temples in Bagan is banned without due consideration for practical alternatives, it could have a significant negative impact on Myanmar’s tourism industry,” said Mr Marcus Allender, business development director for Yangon-based Pegu Travels.
“Bagan is well known as the jewel in Myanmar’s crown and both climbing the temples and the views afforded are a big part of the experience. So far convincing proposals for viewing that would satisfy the large numbers required have been thin on the ground.”
Source: Sun sets on Bagan temple climbing | Frontier Myanmar
Myanmar authorities make good on banning sunset watching from the ancient pagodas, and alternative viewing platforms will be built in the next six months.
The ancient city of Bagan will complete setting up five sites for a sunset viewing in six months and upon completion, visitors will be banned from watching the sunset from ancient pagodas and temples, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura Aung Ko told the local media after a parliamentary session of the Upper House held Tuesday.
It’s probably a sign of increased tourist visitors – five more temples in Bagan have been opened up for sunrise and sunset views.
More temples open for Bagan sunrise and sunset views
Eleven Myanmar, 29 January 2013
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